16. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a humble memorial from the subordinate officers of the Federated Malay States railways, petitioning for a revision of their salaries scheme and conditions of service, and pointing out that the senior officers who also presented a memorial had had their position improved in 1903, in 1906, and in 1907; that since 1904 prices of food have increased by about 50 per cent., while rents have increased by 75 per cent.; and that the revenue and expenditure accounts of the States show a surplus of nearly $12,000,000 in 1912; and whether he is able to hold out to the memorialists any hope of a favourable consideration for their request for an improvement in their conditions?
Mr. HARCOURTA copy of the memorial has been sent to me direct by the petitioners. In accordance with established regulations it has been returned in order that it may be forwarded through the High Commissioner for the Malay States with his Report.